KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
A former Kodiak senator has passed away. Kathryn Poland died in Anchorage last week at the age of 90. Governor Sean Parnell has ordered state flags be lowered in her honor.
Poland was appointed to the State Senate on March 6, 1970, to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of her husband Bill due to health reasons. She continued to serve in the Senate until 1979, representing the Kodiak-Aleutian District.
In 1978, Poland, a Democrat, ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor. She served as director of Commercial Fisheries Division from 1981 until 1983.
Poland is survived by her husband, George Silides; son, Pat Poland; daughters, Kathleen Carlsen and Shannon Anderson; five stepchildren; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
State flags will be raised to full-staff Friday morning.
